NEW laws and initiatives that will further enable equal opportunities for women and allow them to take centre stage in the country’s development are in the pipeline.
Details of the plan, which include special bills for women’s rights, were unveiled yesterday at a major women empowerment forum held at the National Assembly Complex, Gudaibiya.
The event was convened under the joint patronage of National Assembly and Parliament speaker Fouzia Zainal and Shura Council chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh.
It marks the 21st anniversary of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) today.
“The legislative authority is working alongside the SCW to come up with special legislations for women that would enable innovation while encouraging them to assume leadership positions,” said Shura Council second vice-chairwoman Jameela Nusaif.
“We, in the Shura Council, have been amongst the first in the country to establish an equal opportunity committee, which has bolstered progress and development in the workplace in line with women’s capabilities, work ethics and dedication,” she added.
“There are more projects and programmes in the pipeline that would enable women to contribute to the country’s development.”
Parliament second vice-chairman Ali Al Zayed said Bahraini women were as capable as men when it came to steering their country into the future.
“Women in Bahrain have proved their mettle in every field and more powers are necessary to boost their contributions,” he said.
Shura Council woman and child committee chairwoman Dr Ebtisam Al Dallal said women could play a vital role in the modernisation, urbanisation and sustainable development of the country.
“Women, alongside men, can take Bahrain to newer heights if they have the right tools and authority,” she said.
“Strengthening the platform for equal opportunities is vital for decision-making.”
Parliament woman and child committee chairman Bader Al Dossary said work was on to revamp legislations to empower women.
“It is a major developmental issue that we, in Parliament, are dedicated to further bolster women’s contributions,” he said.
“New legislations will ensure women are elevated to the status they deserve as major players.”
The Shura Council’s equality committee chairwoman Dr Fawzia Al Jeeb and her counterpart in Parliament Yasser Al Shirawi also called for new strategies for women empowerment.
Bahrain is the first country in the region to allow Bahraini women to cast their votes in municipal elections in 1939.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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